Leaving The Nest

by Smoking Gun

Leaving The Nest

It’s a common misconception among earth ponies and unicorns that the phrase “leaving the nest” is referring specifically to birds. This is not true. It’s always belonged to pegasi. When a filly or colt “leaves the nest”, it’s considered one of the most important moments in the lives of not only the children, but the parents as well. It’s important for the children because it shows that they've grown up and are ready to take on the world. It’s important to the parents because it show’s that every mistake, every failure, every screw up they had ever made in the past had been worth it.

Ponyville park was never short of citizens to populate it. Ponies, their families and their pets would always come out to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the comfort of those they loved and the playful glee they got when training their pets.

“On the count of three. You got that?”

“Hell yeah!”

“Watch your language, young lady.”

In a free space of of grass off to the east side of the park, stood a tall, fully grown stallion pegasus. His pitch black coat clashed sharply with his white mane and tail. His blue eyes gazed down at the filly pegasus standing before him. She had a cyan coat, magenta eyes and ruffled mane made of all colours of the rainbow.

“Sorry, Dad,” she replied.

Rainbow Dash. Loud, crass, energetic, optimistic. She’s definitely ours.

The filly turned around and the stallion picked her up with his front hooves.

“One,” he said as he took flight, levitating a few feet into the air.

“Two,” he continued as he flew higher and higher. The two of them were high enough to have a fair view of the rest of the park, the sunlight illuminating everything before them.

“Three!” he shouted, throwing his daughter outward. Her tiny wings flapped like an insects, quickly, making a light buzz sounds as lost altitude.

“Come on,” she mumbled to herself. Despite her trip downward, Rainbow was starting to push forward. Her wings were pushing her through the air, giving the little feeling a rush she hadn't felt in any of her previous lessons.

It’s considered normal that fillies Rainbow’s age should be able to fly. I say nopony has the right to tell my girl how to live.

Rainbows wings were starting to cramp up, making each flap harder and harder. Gazing in front of her, she saw a family of earth ponies sitting around a picnic table. They had a delicious looking spread of food, neatly arranged on a blanket that had been laid over the table.

“Look out below!”

Shielding her eyes, Rainbow crashed into the food on the table, knocking all of it into the faces of the ponies at the table. When the sound of shouting started to fade, she looked up, seeing a thick, redwood tree getting closer and closer. Before she could tell the tree to get out of the way, she hit it face first.

Rainbow slid down the tree, eventually landing on the grass. Looking back up at the tree, she saw a light red trail were her face used to be.

She’ll get it. There’s never been a moment I've doubted her ability to fly. What I doubt is how much longer I can bare to her see her fall.

“I am so sorry!” said the stallion as he descended before the table of earth ponies. “I was taking my daughter out for flying lessons. It wasn't exactly our plan to crash into your lunch,” he said, trying to ease the tension. It didn't work.

“Are you blind?!” shouted back the Father at the table. “You just threw your daughter towards me and my family? We’re trying to eat here!”

“I didn't mean to send her your way. It was just an accident. I wasn't fast enough to catch her,” he said defensively.

“How old is your daughter? Why is she still taking flying lessons anyway?” the angry Father continued.

He’s angry. He’s frustrated. I get that. Doesn't mean I don’t want to kick his flank any less.

“She’s not going to get any better if she doesn't practice. I’m sorry that she interrupted your lunch, but she’s just a filly.”

“Who said I was pissed at her? What kind of stallion just throws his kid around like a damn baseball?!”

I can’t blame him for being frustrated. And he can’t blame me for wanting to drop his flank for thirty-thousand feet.

“What’s your name?” asked the angry earth pony.

“Spectrum,” the pegasus answered, very matter of fact.

“Well, Spectrum,” began the pony as he advanced towards Spectrum. “If you plan on throwing your daughter around, I suggest you be more cautious of where she lands.”

Rainbow planted her hooves into the ground and pushed with all her strength, returning her to her feet. Examining the red trail she had left on the trunk of the tree, she followed it up to the point of impact and then higher. Looking at one of the branches, she noticed a collection of twigs and leaves that had been assembled into nest. If she squinted, she could have see a Mother bird descend onto the side of the nest, lowering a worm into the mouths of her children.

Quietly thanking the fact that her Dad doesn’t feed her the same way, she watched the birds eat their lunch. Rainbow then noticed one of the little ones jump up onto the side of the nest, looking out onto the park.

“What is he... ?”

Without warning, the baby bird jumped off the nest, flapping its wings at an alarming speed. Wide eyed, Rainbow ran under the bird, her forelegs extended, ready to catch the stupid bird. But she never did.

The little bird was now hovering in the hair, moving around the air with ease. Rainbow’s sighs of relief were followed by jealous pouting. After what seemed like the longest five seconds of her life, the young bird descended, hovering at Rainbow’s eye level. The filly gazed into the little eyes of her Aves counterpart.

“Teach me your secrets,” she whispered to the bird.

“Hey kiddo!” shouted Spectrum as he approached his daughter, who was still staring at the bird. He chuckled at the sight. “Don’t get jealous, kiddo.”

“I’m not jealous, Dad. I’m studying,” she said, still looking at the bird.

“Well, we both know that’s a lie,” he jested, making his daughter shoot around, glaring straight at him.

With nothing looking at him, the bird took off to the skies. Rainbow and Spectrum gazed up, following the bird as it disappeared into the light of the sun. Looking down at his daughter, Spectrum caught a glimpse of sadness in Rainbow’s eyes.

“You alright, kiddo?”

“Why?” she asked, looking up at him. “Why can’t I fly?”

“You’re asking the wrong question,” he said as he knelt down to her level. “What you should be asking is ‘When will I fly?’”

“Alright. When will I fly?”

“I dunno,” he said, shrugging.

“Hey!” Rainbow punched him. “If you don’t know, why did you tell me to ask you that?”

“I didn't say ask me. You should ask yourself that.” He caught a look of confusion on Rainbow’s face. “Kiddo, you’re not just gonna get up and fly one day. It takes time, practice, and a brilliant teacher,” he said winking at her.

Catching her laughing, Spectrum turned around, sitting down so that Rainbow could climb onto his back. “Come on, let’s go home. I’ll cook you up some hay fries.”

“Sweet!”

Spectrum took off into the sky, shooting past the clouds, revealing an entire city made of clouds. Liquid rainbows poured out of the various weather factories around the city and several pegasi bounced around the clouds, taking several impromptu shortcuts to their destination.

One of these days, we’re gonna race home and she’ll beat me. And I cannot wait for that day.

Rainbow slouched on the couch, watching the television by gazing over her bloated stomach. Eating as much as she did, she had grown use to sitting at just the right angle to watch T.V. after dinner. Spectrum, still wearing his ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron, took a seat next to his daughter, holding a mug of cider in his hoof. Taking his eyes off the show, he noticed his daughter looking up at him with a giant smile, complete with puppy dog eyes. Rolling his eyes, he hoofed over the mug.

“One sip only!”

Rainbow proceeded to snatch the mug and take what was considerably more than one sip, making Spectrum snatch it back. The two shared a little giggle as Rainbow now had a foam mustache.

In retrospect, it may not have been a good idea to drink in front of her. Even if it was only occasional.

“What was Mom like?”

Spectrum was caught off-guard by the suddenness of her daughter’s question.

“I’m certain I’ve told you already,” he said.

“Can I hear it anyway?” she asked smiling.

Spectrum pushed himself off the couch and trotted over to a stand that held several pictures of him and Rainbow together. All the way from bringing her home from the hospital to her cloudball tryouts last weekend. He reached for the one in the middle, which had a picture of him standing next to a pegasi with a bright yellow coat and an orange mane. He sat down next to Rainbow and pulled her in close so that she could see the photo.

“Her name was Radiance. She was the captain of the Wonderbolts. One day I’ll take you to one of their air shows,” he said looking at his reflection in the photo frame. “We met during a trip me and my college buddies took. I got a chance to chat with her backstage after the show. We started talking and over time, we fell in love. And then you came along,” he said poking her daughter on the nose.

“What happened to her?”

Spectrum’s smile vanished. “She got... sick after she gave birth to you.”

I know it’s a forward thing to say to a child. But I’m not going to sugarcoat anything for her. If she’s anything like her Mother, she can take it.

“She would have loved you. Don’t ever forget that.”

Rainbow looked up at her Father. “What was she like?”

Spectrum laid the photo on the couch. “She was just like you,” he said kissing her on the head. “Perfect.”

In retrospect, I may have given her an ego complex.

“Come on. You’ve got school in the morning,” Spectrum said as he pushed her off the couch and up the stairs.

“But I’m not tired!” she protested.

“Well, I’m tired of looking at ya!” he said as he playfully shoved her into her room.

“Night, Dad,” said Rainbow as she headed into the bathroom connected to her room, smiling at her old stallion.

“Night, sweetheart,” he returned, closing the door behind him.

Spectrum ascended the stairs to the master bedroom. The room would be considered bare bones by most ponies. There was a king sized bed, a T.V. mounted on the wall, and a large bathroom attached to the room. Turning off the light, he climbed onto the left side of the bed, pulling the covers tightly over him. For longer than he should have, he stared at the right side, that was noticeably vacant.

I omitted several details about her Mother. But when I said she was perfect, I meant it. She was strong headed, powerful, confident, beautiful, uplifting, funny... everything a stallion could ask for. Before Rainbow, she was the best thing that ever happened to me. She was the brightest thing in my life.

The sun of my life was extinguished, and I've been cold ever since.

I usually sing in my head while I work. But when I see the work they’ve given me, all I can think is about how badly I want to punch everyone in this building.

Lifting with his hind legs, Spectrum carried a large canister of blue red liquid. Positioning over a large sink, he poured the liquid into it, watching it run down the drain that led to a pipe system that all the over covers of the light spectrum traveled to. It was there that the rainbows were made.

Me making Rainbows. Yeah, never heard that one before. Assess.

Once the canister was empty, Spectrum quickly flew it back to the holding shelf, leaving him free for his lunch break.

Entering the lunchroom, he took a sandwich he had pre-made out of the fridge and took a seat at the table.

Radiance used to make me sandwiches before I left for work. They always tasted like crap. I loved her so much, I almost was willing to ignore that. Almost.

“Yo, Spectrum!” shouted another pegasi as he entered the room.

“Hey, Updraft. What’s up?” he returned before going back to his sandwich.

“Just wrapped up my snowflake shift. Why do we bother making individual snowflakes anyway? It’s freaking tedious!"

Spectrum wolfed down the last of his sandwich, wiping the remaining salad pieces from his lip. “I’m fairly certain it has something to do with each one unique and special. Makes it better if a pony is lucky enough to catch them.”

Updraft rolled his eyes. “But what’s the point?!” he said at a higher volume. “Argh! It’s just... why? We spend hours making sure each one is ‘unique and special’, and they’re just gonna end up melting anyway. Why do we even bother?”

As much of a lazy pony as Updraft is, I can’t help but sympathize. A part of me just wants to melt away.

“Anyway,” began Updraft. “How goes Rainbow’s training?”

Spectrum squirmed in his seat. “It’s... going.”

Updraft chuckled. “I’m sure she’ll be fine. Her Mother was a Wonderbolt after all,” he said reassuringly.

“Thanks, mate.”

I said he was lazy. I didn’t say he wasn’t a good friend.

A sharp ringing came over the intercom for a brief second before a female voice came on. “Spectrum, you have a call on line five. Spectrum, you have a call on line five.”

Spectrum and Updraft slowly turned back to each other. While Updraft was smirking, Spectrum had a look of dread and exasperation.

“Have fun with that,” mouthed Updraft.

Flight Academy. It’s like I enrolled her in some kind of cruel joke.

Spectrum touched down at the steps leading up to the front door. Trotting inside, he saw a secretary playing solitaire on the computer. He approached her and prepared to open his mouth, only to be interrupted by her pointing her towards the door that was marked ‘Principle Storm.’

Spectrum pushed the door open to find a desk with two ponies sitting at it. On the far side, was a pegasus wearing a tweed blazer with leather patches on the shoulder. On the opposite side was Rainbow. His daughter was sitting on a wooden chair as she turned back to her Father. She had a black eye, a broken lip and tears pouring down her face.

Spectrum ran over to her daughter, holding her gently. “Kiddo! What the hell happened?!”

“Please,” began the principle. “Have a seat and we’ll talk.”

Reluctantly, Spectrum took a seat next to Rainbow in a vacant chair next to her. “You want to explain to me why my daughter looks like this?” he asked with an ever growing tone of anger.

“Mister Spectrum, you’re daughter was involved in a scuffle with three boys earlier today. All witnesses say that she threw the first punch. Of course, that’s what led to her being where she is now.”

Spectrum turned to his daughter who looked back at him. Her face showed that it wasn’t just her face that was broken. “Sweetheart, wait outside for me. I’ll be out soon.”

Once Rainbow left, Spectrum shot back around to the principle. “Details. Now.”

The principle sighed. “It was apparently started over her not being able to fly yet. I don’t know the details, but it looked like they were giving her a hard time and she lashed out. So I brought her here. She needs to be disciplined for starting fights. We need to make an example of her. Flight Academy does not tolerate violence.”

Yes. He did just say that to my face.

“So,” began Spectrum as he leaned forward. “My daughter was being verbally assaulted by three boys that I’m going to assume were bigger than her, she stood up for herself, was brutally beaten, and you want to punish her for it?”

The principle did not respond.

“Where the boys punished?”

“We are not at liberty to discuss that with anypony that isn’t a child's legal guardian,” returned the principle.

Spectrum paused for a moment before standing up. “The only reason my daughter is enrolled here is because her Mother explicitly stated that she wanted her here. But let me make something very clear to you. If you ever let this happen to my daughter again, if any harm comes to her under your care, I will do everything in my power to make make life a living hell for you. Do I make myself clear, you unqualified, untalented, unsympathetic sack of garbage?”

The Principle did not respond.

Slamming the front door behind him, Spectrum found Rainbow sitting on the steps. The did not share any words. He leant down for Rainbow to climb on him and he took to the skies.

I’ve never had a quieter moment in my life. Excluding when the doctor told me what happened to Radiance.

The pegasi quietly entered their home. Rainbow heading up the stairs without saying another word.

“Don’t you want dinner?”

Rainbow didn’t respond. She went into her room and closed the door gently behind her. Spectrum followed her up the stairs and found himself standing in front of the door. Even through the door, he could hear her sulking. He gently pushed the door open, seeing her daughter with her face buried in her pillow. Spectrum took a seat next to her on the bed.

“Kiddo, you can’t let-”

“Shut up. Please, just shut up.”

Complying, Spectrum remained silent. Eventually, Rainbow pulled herself away from her pillow and cuddled up to her Father. Burying her face in his coat, letting her tears and blood run down onto the sheets.

After an hour, Rainbow’s whimpering turned into snores.

Without Radiance, I’ve had to raise Rainbow by myself. I’ve had no problem with this. Dedicating my life to her is all I need. But I’m selfish. Sometimes I question if I’m doing this for her or Radiance. If I’m doing this to make her proud instead of giving my daughter hope. I would hate to disappoint her. Rainbow is the most important thing in my life... but I keep thinking about you.

Tears trickled down his face.

Forgive me Radiance... I’ve failed you both.

With Rainbow on his back, Spectrum descended through the skylight of the weather factory. Touching down in the main foyer, he let Rainbow down onto her feet. She had a ‘Daring Do’ bandage over her lip.

“Come on, Kiddo. I’ll show you where I work.”

He led her into the main workspace. All over the room were several pegasi working on various weather related projects. Some were making the rainbows, some were constructing the clouds, others would be mixing up the snow in huge pots.

“Is she here to take your job?”

Spectrum and Rainbow looked up to find Updraft descended, landing right in front of them. “Because I’m sure she could do it,” he said smirkingly.

“Updraft,” began Spectrum. “This is my daughter, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow, this is my old friend, Updraft.”

“Sup,” she said quickly before looking away.

“Nice to meet you. Your Dad talks about you all the time.”

Rainbow didn’t respond. She looked up at her Father. “Can I take a look around?”

“Sure thing, Kiddo.”

Rainbow trotted away, examining her surroundings, not really paying attention to the details.

Updraft leant into Spectrum. “I didn’t realize it was ‘Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.’”

“It’s not,” returned Spectrum. “But I’m not sending her back to school yet. She needs to decompress.”

“We talking about her or you?” asked Updraft. He was only met with silence by Spectrum. “Come on, we’re cloud sorting duty today.”

The two flew up to a group of clouds that were hanging by wires on the roof.

Clouds aren't ready to float straight away. They have to be worked on for days before they’re sky ready.

There were several smaller clouds hovering under a large, darker cloud. Upon closer inspection, Spectrum could see electricity flowing through it.

“OK!” shouted Updraft. “We’ll sort the smaller ones, and we’ll get to the big one at the end.”

Going through the motions. Day after day. Not making progress with-

Spectrum bumped into Updraft, almost dropping his cloud.

“Watch it, dude! Get your head in the game,” remarked Updraft as continued sorting.

Floating through air with his to-be clouds, Spectrum turned his eyes down to Rainbow, who was still paying attention to everything else. Almost like she was trying not to look at her old stallion.

I don’t blame her. She needs a distraction. Hell, so do I. I should be focused. Focused on making sure my daughter can fly. I’m a grown stallion and I can’t get my thoughts straight.

Looking up, Updraft saw that one of the cables supporting the large storm cloud above was starting to give into the stress.

“Spectrum! The storm cloud is gonna come down. We’ve got to fix the cable,” shouted Updraft. He looked over at Spectrum, who was still alone with his thoughts. “Spectrum, wake up!”

I’m not good enough for her.

The cable was starting to snap.

Rainbow. Radiance... I’m not good enough for either of them.

The cable gave way, causing the cloud to swing down towards the wall near Spectrum.

I’ve fai-

Crashing against the wall, a large bolt of lightning shot out of the cloud, blinding everypony in the factory. Spectrum felt a burst of extreme heat, his muscles tightened, his brain became incapable of stringing a thought together.

You know what the sad thing is? This is the warmest I’ve felt in years.

Now smoking, Spectrum hit the bench of the window, making a cracking sound as he bounced off, heading straight for the Equestrian soil below.

It was too bright for them to see me. Too loud for them to hear me. A part of me is relieved. I can now think in peace.

Against her better judgement, Rainbow opened her eyes, catching a glimpse of a familiar looking pony fall out the window.

“DAD!”

The wind in my mane, brushing through my feathers, it feels amazing. I can’t even remember the last time I felt this good being in the air. The closes thing I can recall is the first date Radiance and I had. We flew through this canyon, shooting up at the last minute to avoid hitting the wall. It wasn’t the flying that made me feel amazing. It was her. Why does this feel better than it should? Maybe it’s because I’m about to join her in the sun. I could pull up if I tried hard enough... but I don’t want to. I just want to hold my wife close to me. I want to be whole again. All it will take is for me to close my eyes and rest. The easiest thing in the world. I love you Radiance. I hope you put in a good word for me.

“Hang on, Dad!”

Spectrum’s eyes shot open. He saw a cyan dot move closer and close to him. As the dot came close enough, he caught a rainbow flowing off her head and magenta eyes locked squarely on him.

Rainbow...

Now at his level, Rainbow positioned herself underneath the stallion, trying to lift him up with her hooves.

Dash.

“Come on! I thought you were supposed to be awesome at this!” she shouted as sweat flew off her brow and into the sky.

She’s flying. My baby girl is flying.

Losing her grip, Rainbow slipped and flew back, tumbling backwards in the air, away from her ever descending Father. Regaining her bearings, she flapped her wings and headed straight for him. Opting for a different tactic, she grabbed the torso, attempting to rotate him.

She’s trying to get me right side up so I can fly. Such a smart girl.

“Just fly, Dad! I know you can do it!”

You may be gone, but you left me the best gift in the world. Rainbow Dash. The rainbow that makes my life beautiful. All I have to do is look up and she’s there, making my life wonderful. I’d say that you’d hate me for leaving her... but I’d hate myself even more. Leaving my baby girl just as she’s about to be the best.

No...

No...

NO!

Mustering the last of his strength, Spectrum grabbed Rainbow, pulling her close to his chest. Unfurling his wings, that had been damaged from the fall, he started flapping, grunting in pain the whole time. Still losing altitude, Spectrum guided them towards whatever he could see that looked familiar... Ponyville park.

Looking up, he found a familiar looking tree coming closer and closer. Rotating his whole body, he now had is back to the redwood, crashing loudly into the trunk, shaking the foundation of the tree. The branches shook and leaves showered down over them. Upon impact, Spectrum lost grip of his daughter, dropping on the ground as he slid down the redwood.

Not gonna lie. That hurt.

Opening his eyes, he found a hunk of twigs sitting before him. It was the nest from the other day that Rainbow found. The nest was now empty.

“Dad!”

Spectrum looked up, seeing Rainbow run over to him. Once she reached him, she started shaking his head.

“Dad! Are you OK?! I’ll get help!”

“Shhh,” whispered Spectrum. “Come here, Kiddo.” Wrapping his hooves around her, Spectrum pulled his baby girl close, hugging her tighter than ever. “Thank you for saving me.”

“Me? You saved yourself,” she answered.

“Trust me, sweetheart, you saved me.”

The stench of burnt toast flooded the room, making Spectrum nauseous. He was lying on the couch, with his wings wrapped around his torso with gauze.

“Breakfast is served!” proclaimed Rainbow as she laid the plate in front of her Dad. The bread looked like it had taken a trip to Tartarus and back, and it was going to take a rag-tag group of unicorns to determine what exactly was between the slices.

Just like her Mother.

“Hey, Dad. Can I ask you something?” asked Rainbow.

“Sure, Kiddo.”

“Don’t you have to go to work to earn money still?” she inquired.

Spectrum leant into his daughter. “Rainbow, do you know what a ‘lawsuit’ is?” She shook her head. “When you come home, I’ll explain it.”

The stallion glanced up at the clock on the wall. “Speaking of which, you've got to go to school.”

Dragging himself of the couch, Rainbow and Spectrum headed out the front door, now standing on a patch of clouds that most earth ponies would call a ‘front lawn.’

“You sure you don’t want me to call Updraft and have him take you?” asked Spectrum.

Rainbow started flapping her little wings, taking her into the air. “Nah. I got this,” she said with a cocky smirk. Turning away from her old stallion, she took off to school at a speed that was very impressive for a filly her age. Her forelegs were extended , letting the wind flow through her mane, sporting the biggest smile on her face.

I’ve never felt prouder of not only her, but myself. It took me much longer than it should have, but I can now see that I’ve got something worth living for. My baby girl. She’s going to be a strong, fast, beautiful mare and it’s all because of us. Every mistake, every screw up, ever low moment I’ve ever had feels like nothing. I feel like I could fly.

Oh Radiance. If only you could see her now.